MANITOWOC - Painting Pathways Clubhouse has launched a $1.7 million campaign to expand its facility on Washington Street.

The clubhouse, 1226 Washington St., serves 115 active members and 293 inactive members with mental illness in the community. Its daily attendance is 28 — and growing by 12.5 percent annually. Twenty-one people are in the process of becoming members, and space in the current facility is getting tight. The clubhouse had 30 members when it first opened in 2008.

The planned expansion includes $1.17 million for purchasing a neighboring building, $110,000 for purchasing the existing building, $22,000 for architect fees, $79,000 for a new kitchen, $36,000 for furnishings, $65,000 for interest and $218,000 for contingency at 15 percent.

larger kitchen and dining area for training in culinary skills and to make space for serving meals to increased membership; and

designated area for food pantry and clothes closet and to train for retail skills.

More than 2,500 adults in Manitowoc County live with serious mental illness, ranging from post-traumatic stress disorder to chronic anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression and schizophrenia. Painting Pathways Clubhouse assists those with mental illness by helping them build skills for employment, developing individualized plans and goals, re-establishing healthy social connections with other members and staff, reducing isolation, encouraging and providing models for healthy lifestyles, assisting with access to community resources and services, and providing a safety net to monitor and manage mental illness.

In the past year, Painting Pathways Clubhouse helped 15 members re-enter the workforce and its members also contributed more than 1,500 volunteer hours to the community.

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FILE - The weekly culinary menu at Painting Pathways Clubhouse April 26, 2018, in Manitowoc. The clubhouse serves lunch daily that is cooked and cleaned by members and offers a food pantry for those who need it.(Photo: Josh Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin)

The Clubhouse, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is accredited by Clubhouse International, which has more than 300 affiliates in 32 countries.

“Painting Pathways Clubhouse is a tremendous asset to our community,” said Becky Rice, behavioral health therapist and care manager at Lakeshore Community Health, a brochure for the campaign. “Offering social connectedness, life skills, and ‘for us/by us’ to people is a remarkably powerful way to make a positive impact on someone’s life. Painting Pathways is doing that, and positively affecting our community as a result.”

Brian Boomgarden, HFM Behavioral Health clinic manager, added, “Painting Pathways Clubhouse is essential to the well-being of some of our community’s most vulnerable citizens. Our clinic makes frequent referrals because our clinicians know the Clubhouse provides a path to recovery by enhancing self-esteem, a sense of self and a place for meaning peer involvement.”

For information about how to give to the campaign, contact Painting Pathways Clubhouse at 920-652-9952, visit paintingpathways.org or find "Painting Pathways Clubhouse Inc" on Facebook.

Donations of $9,000 to the campaign will sponsor one clubhouse member's use of the building for 20 years — and donations of $9,000 or more will be recognized inside the Clubhouse's expanded facilities. The West Foundation will match all donations, dollar-for-dollar.

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FILE - Clubhouse member Carla Lesperance makes an entry in the finance books at Painting Pathways April 26, 2018, in Manitowoc. Members help keep the clubhouse running by performing certain tasks.(Photo: Josh Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin)

Clubhouse member: 'We need it'

Painting Pathways Clubhouse member Brian K. shared the following:

As a member of Painting Pathways since 2011, I have noticed many things at the Clubhouse. The Clubhouse is a place where we, adults living with severe mental illness, are respected and accepted. This is not something we take lightly; many of us have burnt bridges among our biological families, friends and community.

For example, when I’m off my meds, I am a monster. Without much exaggeration, I have been kicked out of half the businesses in Manitowoc and Two Rivers. I don’t hold a grudge with any of them because of their decision to kick me out; if I were in their shoes, I would probably have done the same thing. In most places, in our county, country and throughout the world, the mentally ill are ostracized from society.

At the Clubhouse, it is different. We are such an important resource in our community. Here, we are given second, third, fourth … chances to be welcomed back to the Clubhouse after an absence, as long as we are not a safety risk to the Clubhouse community.

Since this place is so unique, we need it; and that’s why this capital campaign is so important. The word is getting out about us, and we have had many people inquiring, but many have anxiety issues and when they come through the door, there are so many people in such a small space that they are intimated by the busyness of the Clubhouse. This is both a blessing and a curse. We are very grateful to have so many people inquiring, but sad they oftentimes don’t come back.

Painting Pathways Clubhouse(Photo: Painting Pathways Clubhouse)

We have been in our current space since 2008, and with all the current members, inactive members and prospective members, we need to expand. I believe this expansion will serve many needs (e.g. less “crazy” busyness because the Clubhouse is too small and sometimes it is hard to concentrate; a more professional-looking Clubhouse. In other words, it will be a place where we can live out our mission of … building community, supporting recovery and changing lives.).

A big component of the Clubhouse is the “work-ordered day,” where members and staff work together to make the Clubhouse work. Anywhere from preparing meals, vacuuming, mopping, outreach calls to members who have not been in for a while, compiling statistics, cutting the lawn, shoveling snow, etc. We do whatever it takes to keep the Clubhouse open.

Sometimes we are so depressed that it takes a herculean effort just to do self-care and come into the Clubhouse, to be around others who can relate. The Clubhouse is a safe, supportive and comforting place to be. With the expansion, we will be able to better serve the needs of our community.

As for me, I love doing grant writing. We have been successful being awarded several grants, and it is always gratifying to get validation that we are contributing to society and being recognized for the work we do. Manitowoc County and the surrounding areas have been very generous in supporting us through individual and corporate giving, supporting our fundraising efforts, in-kind donations, volunteering, etc.

With a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering and a master's degree in philosophy and theology, I have been gifted a great education and I feel the need and obligation to give back. Many other members feel the same way.

Recovery from mental illness is possible. There is no cure for mental illness, but with proper diet, exercise, sleep and medication, we can be a blessing to others.

Chase Crees, 9, of Manitowoc, steers a toboggan full of his friends over a jump on the hill at Silver Creek Park Monday, Apr. 16, 2018, in Manitowoc, Wis. Children were given the day off of school after winter storm Evelyn brought a mess of snow to the area. Josh Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Josh Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Lori Maltby walks through empty book shelves at Book World before it closes for good Thursday, Jan. 18, 2018, in Manitowoc, Wis. The downtown bookstore closed Saturday, Jan. 20th, 2018, after the company announced it would be closing all its 45 stores including 20 in Wisconsin. Josh Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Josh Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Becky and Rob Brooks, center, pose for a portrait with their family in front of their home Thursday, May 3, 2018, in Manitowoc, Wis. From left, Danyell, 17; Isabella, 16; Anna, 4; October, 6; Brian, 6; Cristel, 20; Skylar, 17; Charlie, 3; and their granddaughter Bianca Michel, 13. All are legally adopted except for October who has been reunited with her mother but is still thought of as family. The Brooks have taken in 14 foster children over the years and adopted nine of them. Josh Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Max Schoett, 16, and Olivia Lutterman, 17, of Manitowoc watch the fireworks go off next to a nearly full moon at the Manitowoc County Fair Wednesday, August 22, 2018, in Manitowoc, Wis. The show capped off the fair's first full day of activities at the fairgrounds. Josh Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Joshua Clark, Josh Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

UW-Manitowoc professor emeritus Chuck Sontag, center left, shares his knowledge of shorebirds with other birders visiting the containment area along Lake Michigan Thursday, May 24, 2018, in Manitowoc, Wis. Sontag has recorded more than 300 species of birds along the lakeshore since he began birding the area. His dedication and enthusiasm has helped turn the Manitowoc lakeshore into a destination for birders from all over the country. Josh Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Josh Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

A woman and a man snow shoe through Silver Creek Park after winter storm Evelyn dropped more than a foot of snow on the area Monday, Apr. 16, 2018, in Manitowoc, Wis. Josh Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Josh Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Emma and Ben Vos of Proud Heritage Jerseys in Maribel wait with their Jersey cows for their entrance during the Manitowoc Culver's Futurity at the Manitowoc County Fair Saturday, August 25, 2018, in Manitowoc, Wis. All the cows in this years' show were entered three years ago as young calves. Josh Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Josh Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Michelle Leider of Lakeshore Technical College cleans windows on the Salvation Army bus during the United Way's Day of Action at the Salvation Army Thursday, June 21, 2018, in Manitowoc, Wis. Volunteers spread out across the community to help non-profits and those in need as part of United Way's Day of Action. Josh Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Joshua Clark, Josh Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Kryssi Higgenson, 8, of Lake Geneva waits for the judging of her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Zana, during the Northeast Wisconsin Dog Show Classic Friday, Mar. 30, 2018, in Manitowoc, Wis. Handlers of any age can show a dog as long as they can handle the animal. Josh Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Josh Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Lincoln's Ethan Riske, right, does an agility drill during the Ships' first football practice of the season at Manitowoc Lincoln High School Wednesday, August 1, 2018, in Manitowoc, Wis. Josh Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Joshua Clark, Josh Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Rob Brooks helps Brian, 6, and Anna, 4, with a video game at their home Wednesday, Mar. 28, 2018, in Manitowoc, Wis. Brian, Anna, and Charlie are biological siblings who were all recently adopted into the family after being taken in as foster children. Josh Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Josh Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Lizzie Wallander, 9, left, and Amelia Suchomel, 9, teach Zoe Schloseky, 4, how to skate during the Manitowoc County Youth Hockey Association's Girls Try Hockey event at the County Ice Center Saturday, October 13, 2018, in Manitowoc, Wis. Suchomel and Wallander both play on the Pee Wee team and were on the ice teaching other girls about the sport. Joshua Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Joshua Clark, Joshua Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-W

People protest against Governor Walker's rescinding of his nomination for a National Marine Sanctuary along the coast of Lake Michigan as he enters the Lighthouse Inn Sunday, Mar. 18, 2018, in Two Rivers, Wis. Walker was the main speaker at the Manitowoc County Republican Party's Lincoln Day Dinner held at the inn. Josh Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Josh Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

People watch as the lake vessel Kaye E. Barker delivers a load of coal for Manitowoc Public Utilities Saturday, Jun 16, 2018, in Manitowoc, Wis. The Barker, built in 1952 as the Edward B. Greene, is more than 700 feet long and can carry 25,900 gross tons of cargo. Josh Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Joshua Clark, Josh Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Roncalli's Josh Koss drives to the hoop against Kewaunee in a D4 regional semifinal at Roncalli High School Friday, Mar. 2, 2018, in Manitowoc, Wis. Roncalli defeated Kewaunee to advance to the D4 finals and eventually won the state championship. Josh Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Joshua Clark, Josh Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Cheyene Medina, left, and her sister Lydia Medina dance down the stairs in the procession to the field for the graduation ceremony at Manitowoc Lincoln High School Friday, Jun 8, 2018, in Manitowoc, Wis. Josh Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Joshua Clark, Josh Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

The Manitowoc Lutheran High School marching band holds for a water break during a hot and humid Memorial Day parade Monday, May 28, 2018, in Manitowoc, Wis. Josh Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Joshua Clark, Josh Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

VFW honor guard Julie Rozum, left, and color guard captain Harold Kummer place a commemorative wreath in front of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument as the Eternal Flame burns in remembrance of those who served during the Memorial Day ceremony Monday, May 28, 2018, in Manitowoc, Wis. Josh Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Josh Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Two Rivers' Anna Gallagher competes in the Jim Bremser cross country invitational at Mishicot High School Thursday, September 20, 2018, in Mishicot, Wis. Gallagher, a freshmen, went on to place in the top 5 at the WIAA Cross Country State Championships. Josh Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Joshua Clark, Josh Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Fifth-grader Debin Talley, left, plays a math game with classmate Addison Talbert during a math lesson at Stangel Elementary School Thursday, May. 3, 2018, in Manitowoc, Wis. Under a new MPSD proposal, Stangel students would move to Riverview Early Learning Center, which would become a 4K through fifth-grade elementary school. Josh Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Josh Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Reedsville's Shaun Thomas celebrates the Panther's win over Hilbert in a WIAA division 7 football playoff at Hilbert High School Friday, October 26, 2018, in Hilbert, Wis. The Panthers defeated the Wolves 31-14 to advance to the next round of playoffs. Joshua Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Joshua Clark, Joshua Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-W

Lutheran raises their helmets and sings the school song after defeating Oostburg in a Big East conference matchup 27-7 at Manitowoc Lutheran High School Friday, September 14, 2018, in Manitowoc, Wis. Josh Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Joshua Clark, Josh Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

From left, Cierra Brockman, Montana Chevalier and Cassidy Olson of Manitowoc Lincoln High School stand with arms locked during a school walkout Wednesday, Mar. 14, 2018, at Manitowoc Lincoln High School in Manitowoc, Wis. The walkout was part of a national effort to honor those who died in the shootings at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, a month ago. Josh Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Josh Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Lincoln's Paige Franz (6) reacts after a point against Sheboygan North after the Ships came back to force a fifth set in a Fox River Classic Conference game at Manitowoc Lincoln High School Tuesday, October 2, 2018, in Manitowoc, Wis. The Ships came back to defeat the Raiders 3-2 after losing the first two sets. Joshua Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Joshua Clark, Joshua Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

The top of the lighthouse pokes out through the fog over the Baymont Inn during Subfest Saturday, July 14, 2018, in Manitowoc, Wis. Josh Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Joshua Clark, Josh Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Two men battle it out in the last stretch of a kayak race on the Manitowoc River during Subfest Saturday, July 14, 2018, in Manitowoc, Wis. Josh Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Joshua Clark, Josh Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

People make their way back to their cars after touring the newly renovated lighthouse during Subfest Saturday, July 14, 2018, in Manitowoc, Wis. The lighthouse was open to the public during a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the new renovations. Josh Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Josh Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Philip Stangel directs the Two Rivers Community Band in their final concert of the season at Central Park Thursday, August 9, 2018, in Two Rivers, Wis. Josh Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Josh Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Brooklyn Zigmunt ,10, of Manitowoc, points out a tree to her mom Stephanie at Taylor Trees Saturday, December 1, 2018, in Mishicot, Wis. The Zigmunt family went looking across the entire tree farm until they found the perfect tree for the holidays. Joshua Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Joshua Clark, Joshua Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin